Mike Kelly

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman, as always, for his insights and his clarity, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I include in the Record a letter from AARP in strong support of H.R. 6757.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to be here in the people's House on the floor hearing two differing views of America. I really appreciate about putting the jam on the lower shelf. We have actually put it on the table with the lid off so that every single American has benefited. I know that sometimes we look at things, and people are entitled to their own opinion, but what they are not entitled to are their own facts. The fact is that, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, every single American has benefited. This is not just about Democrats and Republicans; this is about Americans. I am hoping that Americans are watching what is going on here right now, where the game plan is always: If we can divide them, we can win. If we don't have any facts, let's just come up with anything and throw it out there and think that maybe the way we use the Gruber effect in the healthcare plan, we are going to rely on Americans not to really look beyond what is going on. Well, I will tell you what. In every segment of our society right now, we are seeing the lowest unemployment in history. It doesn't matter if these are hyphenated Americans--I don't know why we have to be this way, because I look at people as being red, white, and blue Americans, not White, not Black, not tan, not yellow. I am talking about red, white, and blue Americans, the same people who provide every single penny to run this marvelous government of ours. And now what we are proposing today is to allow these same hardworking people the opportunity not to have to rely on a government program, but to be able to rely on their own hard-earned savings. What an incredible, unusual idea to come out of this House. Look, we know that it is absolutely crucial that, as more and more Americans enter their golden years, they have the security and peace of mind to enjoy those years and not have to worry about whether they have saved enough money. We should be doing everything we can to help them save more of their hard-earned money--it is their own money, by the way--for themselves and for their families. H.R. 6757 does that by giving every single American the tools that he or she needs to help them save for their future and to save for their retirement. I have heard today the tax sham. I have heard today about growing deficits. I have heard today about the rich, the elite, the people who have private boats, and the people who have jets. But what I haven't heard today is how this incredible piece of legislation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, has increased and how our economy has taken off. Now, you can say anything you want, and I understand why you are upset. Not one of you could vote for this. So if you couldn't vote for it and you couldn't be part of the team that won, what you have to be now is the team that says: Do you know what? We could have done it better. My question is: Where the heck were you in the previous administration? Where were you in all those years when the debt grew from $10 trillion to $20 trillion? Now, all of a sudden, the light comes on: Oh, my God, the debt is increasing. It is these doggone Republicans. Do you know what they are trying to do? They want hardworking American taxpayers to be able to keep more of their own money. That is just not the way Washington works. I thank God every day that I didn't start off as a local politician, then move into a county position, then move into a State position, and then wander into D.C. using that same philosophy that we are going to put this on the backs of our taxpayers. We never tell these people that the hand they feel in their back pocket is the government taking their wallet out. Then we decry this fact that: Oh, my goodness, how could we ignore the debt? Thanks for waking up. Where were you when it was $10 trillion? Why did you let it get to $20 trillion before the bells went off? Look, there is so much in this bill that just makes sense. This bill was not crafted for Democrats. It wasn't crafted for Republicans. It was crafted for Americans, hardworking Americans, who put all their life into a job, who look forward to retirement. We are giving them that opportunity not to rely on some government program that may or may not be there when they reach retirement. We are telling them: Do you know what? You get to keep more of your own money now. You get to put it away in a lot of pretax opportunities. You get to know that you can draw down on some of that money without being heavily taxed for needing it. And while we decry all these inequities, and when we continue to divide Americans and say, ``It is always about the rich; it is always about the elite; it is all about those who have more than you do,'' that is not what it is about. It is about helping every American get to retirement. Good Lord, how did we get to this position? How did we get to this point in America's history that we will pick and choose and we will decry anybody who has been successful and always label them as the rich, the elite, these horrible, horrible people who have done so much with their life. They just don't deserve that. Well, do you know what? This is America. There are more stories in this country and throughout our history of people who started with absolutely nothing but an opportunity, an equal opportunity, not guaranteed an equal outcome, but guaranteed an equal opportunity. What we are doing today is guaranteeing for every hardworking American out there that they can put more of their own hard-earned money into a retirement plan that serves them. Now, every time we come on this floor, I hear this: divide, divide, divide. We can't possibly be the America that 1.4 million of our fellow citizens died to protect. No, no, no. This is not about America's future. This is about midterm elections. We are more worried about getting reelected than changing the direction of this country. I would ask my colleagues on the other side, look, I know you are sorry you didn't vote for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. That is why you throw it down all the time and say this is horrible. What did happen is that we are giving you another chance to hop on this train. I have only been here 8 years, but I will tell you what. I have heard enough in 8 years, coming from the private sector where you have to make it on your own every single day. You have to make payroll. You have to put food on the table and a roof over the heads of your children. I don't want a government program that does that for me. I want a government program that allows me to save my own money, take less of my hard-earned money and allow me to save for my wife, for my kids, for my grandchildren, and for my great-grandchildren. That is what this is all about today, Mr. Speaker. It is plain and simple. One group thinks that the whole idea of government is to make each and every citizen rely on them and depend on them for their very existence. We are offering a chance for every single American--I don't care where they are from, I don't care the color of their skin, the shape of their eyes, or how they vote. What I do care about is that they can go into their retirement knowing that their hard-earned money over the years is going to be accessible to them. That is what this is all about. I am hoping America is watching. I will go back to what I said in the beginning. I remember very clearly my mom and my dad sitting there and saying: The one thing we pray for is that we are never a burden for you and your brothers and your sisters. And I will repeat what I said today. I could not believe that the people who raised me, who fed me, who clothed me, who gave me a future, thought that somehow they would ever be a burden to me, my brothers, or my sisters. The one thing I know that they were sure of: They could save on their own, and they could get ready for their future and for their retirement years. That is all we are trying to do today. We are trying to make sure that every single hardworking American gets to keep more of his or her money for their own retirement without the government taking advantage of them. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, but I do still have the passion to bring this forward, and I have the passion and I have the belief that, if you can get beyond politics and talk about people, that you can come to a conclusion that this is a solid bill that helps our fellow Americans go into their retirement. I know that is in your heart. I know you can't speak it sometimes because we are so polarized. Isn't that a shame? But I will say this. Today we have the opportunity, and what you can show it on--there will be a big screen up there. It will have everybody's name. And you can put a green ``yes'' on there, which says: I am voting for America's future. I am voting for America's retirees. I am voting to make people have peace of mind. Or you can put a red up there and say: Do you know what? I would have voted for it, but it wasn't our bill. And if it is not my bill, if it is not my party's bill, I can't vote for that because there is an election coming up and we have got to polarize this. Mr. Speaker, I know I am out of time, but I am not out of breath, and I will tell you what, I am sure as hell not out of passion. I know what this country means for everybody, and we are making it possible for them every day in every way. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize one of my constituents from Western Pennsylvania, Mrs. Elizabeth Lampkins. Elizabeth has been employed with the Shenango Valley Urban League since 1974 and has served as the director of the Woman, Infants, and Children program (WIC) since 1978. Elizabeth has spent the past 44 years selflessly serving others and building a legacy that is absolutely admirable. Although her successful career is coming to an end as Elizabeth is retiring, her efforts will continue to benefit the community for years to come. Elizabeth is the beloved widow of Marion Lampkins, as well as a proud mother of three and a doting grandmother to five. In 1961, Elizabeth graduated from Choffin School of Practical Nursing and received additional certification from St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. In 1974, following a life-threatening illness, Elizabeth began volunteering at the former Community Medical Education & Screening Center in order to help them create a program to address Sickle Cell. After just one month of volunteering, Elizabeth was hired as a secretary and from that point forward she continuously advanced the program and her career. Elizabeth worked her way up from volunteer to secretary to counselor to coordinator and, ultimately, all the way to director. Being appointed as the Director of the WIC & Sickle Cell program was the start of the most rewarding endeavor of Elizabeth's career. She proudly took on the leadership role and always maintained her focus on ``service first,'' which earned respect and admiration from colleagues at the Shenango Valley Urban League. The Shenango Valley Urban League, which is proudly celebrating their 50th anniversary, is an organization that welcomes, empowers, and encourages all citizens and provides vital services to those in need. Elizabeth is the oldest employee at the Shenango Valley Urban League in both age and tenure, and she has proudly served under every Executive Director or President since the inception of the organization. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has worked tirelessly to advance the WIC program and ensure it continues to prosper and provide. In every role, in every effort, Elizabeth has displayed unparalleled integrity, dignity, and strength. In addition to her loyalty to the WIC program, Elizabeth has actively participated in various civic organizations and advisory boards, making community service an integral part of her life. Elizabeth's expertise and participation has been beneficial to the following: Prince of Peace Center, Teen Parenting Advisory Board, United Way Budget Panel, Minority Health Advocacy Committee, Pennsylvania WIC Association, Mercer County Children & Youth Services, Mercer County Family Centers, and Mercer County Comprehensive Health Planning Council. Due to her noteworthy accomplishments, Elizabeth has been honored by many, including the Shenango Valley Urban League, National Urban League, Pennsylvania Association of WIC Directors, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Shenango Valley Women's Auxiliary. Furthermore, Elizabeth is an active member of the Second Baptist Church in Sharpsville where she has participated in various committees, choirs, circles, and also served as financial secretary and Sunday school treasurer. In every role, in every effort, Elizabeth has been an exemplary public servant and leader. Elizabeth has been a catalyst for improvement throughout the community and her passion and dedication deserves praise. She is a leader in the truest sense of the word and a role model for those who are privileged to know her. Elizabeth has set a standard of excellence and generosity that will inspire others for generations to come and it is my honor to congratulate her on a distinguished career and a well- earned retirement. Therefore, on behalf of the 3rd Congressional District, the State of Pennsylvania, and this nation, I would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to Elizabeth Lampkins--an extraordinary individual, a noble public servant, and a true Community Champion.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this morning I would like to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Black Family Foundation of Erie, Pennsylvania. The foundation was established in 1993 by a very distinguished constituent of mine, Mr. Samuel P. ``Pat'' Black, III, and his late father, an Erie legend, Mr. Samuel P. Black, Jr., who passed away in 2001 just 4 months shy of his 100th birthday. According to its mission statement, the foundation exists to fund systemic change. It proudly focuses on strategic nonprofit investments throughout Erie County that leverage resources for the greatest gains in social progress. Its vision is profound and very ambitious. It exists: To promote continuous improvements in the quality of life around the globe by investing in projects that offer a high probability of not only transformational value, but also sustainable change. Over the course of its respected history, the foundation has funded nonprofit programs and organizations in the areas of health and welfare, entrepreneurial education, homelessness, environmental sustainability, economic initiatives, and technology initiatives. Specifically, the organization has supported such initiatives as the creation of the Elizabeth Lee Black School at the Barber National Institute. This is an approved private school that offers state-of-the- art educational programs to children ages 3 through 21 with autism and intellectual and physical disabilities. Over the last 15 years, Mr. Black and the Black Family Foundation have also supported hundreds of students through scholarships at Penn State's Behrend College and at Mercyhurst University. In the last decade alone, the foundation has donated more than $13 million throughout the Erie community and to worthy organizations around the world. To Mr. Black and his family, we say: Happy anniversary, and may God bless you for all that you do to help bless others.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, obviously we live in alternative universes. Mr. Speaker, America is winning again, and before we embark on the August recess, let's take into account what just 18 months of unified Republican government has meant for the American people. According to the IMD World Competitive Center's 2018 rankings, the United States of America has overtaken Hong Kong as the world's number one most competitive economy thanks to faster economic growth and a supportive atmosphere for scientific and technological innovation. Our entire stock market is hovering around all-time highs. Our national unemployment rate has reached its lowest level in 18 years. Female unemployment has reached its lowest levels since 1953. That is over 65 years ago. Black and Hispanic unemployment have reached their lowest levels ever. More than 3.7 million new jobs have been created since President Trump took office, including 358,000 new jobs in manufacturing. In contrast, more than 16,000 manufacturing jobs nationwide were lost in 2016, the year before President Trump took office. In 2017, an average of 16,333 manufacturing jobs were created per month; and last month, 26,000 new manufacturing jobs were created, bringing it to a total of 358,000 new jobs in manufacturing since President Trump's inauguration in January of 2017. And it continues to grow today. The U.S. currently has 6.6 million job openings. It is at an all-time high. There are now more job openings than there are job seekers in the United States for the third straight month. In May, new hires rose to 5.75 million. That is the highest level in 17 years and the second highest level on record. An all-time high of 155.6 million Americans now have jobs. Now, back home in Pennsylvania's Third Congressional District, which is soon to be its 16th Congressional District, the unemployment rate has dropped significantly in all seven counties. In Erie County, unemployment is now at an 18-year low, and in Crawford County, it is at a 42-year low. Wages for workers in Pennsylvania and across America have grown steadily by almost 3 percent over the past year and are continuing to climb. Jobless claims, which are also known as unemployment benefit filings, have reached a 48-year low. That is half a century. Customer confidence has reached its highest level since 2001. Job market confidence and small business confidence are at their highest levels ever. Since President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December of last year, businesses have created more than 1.3 million new jobs for American workers. And thanks to the tax cuts, more than 650 companies and counting are reinvesting billions of dollars into their businesses and have given more than 4.5 million American workers and counting major bonuses or pay raises or benefit increases. In my home district, this has included employees for NexTier Bank, Erie Insurance, PNC Bank, Walmart, Starbucks, McDonald's, Chipotle, Home Depot, the National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, and many more. Nationally, more than 100 United States utility companies have lowered bills for customers in 48 States. Since February of this year, 90 percent of American wage earners have been opening bigger, less taxed paychecks with more take-home pay. In my home district, the average tax cuts for individuals is $1,230. For families of four, it is $2,427. Those are hardly crumbs. In over 10 years, households will enjoy an average of more than $18,000 in take- home pay, and these are dollars that they have earned and now they get to spend it the way they want to as opposed to sending it to the government for the government to spend it the way the government would like to. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has also established the brand-new opportunity zones, a program to incentivize private investors to make long-term investments in communities that have faced economic hardships, which means even more jobs are on the way. The New York Times has called this provision the first substantial Federal attempt to aid those communities in more than a decade. Mr. Speaker, in every measurable way, all Americans are better off now than we were just 2 short years ago. In every measurable way, America is winning again.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for including my bill, H.R. 6305, the Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act of 2018, in H.R. 6199, the Restoring Access to Medication and Modernizing Health Savings Accounts Act. This important legislation expands access to and enhances the utility of health savings accounts, also known as HSAs. My legislation gives employers more flexibility to offer quality healthcare in the setting that is best for them, like onsite or retail clinics. Employers around the country are offering innovative ways to deliver healthcare to their associates, and this provision makes sure that individual health savings accounts can utilize these same services. It also fixes the spouse penalty by allowing individuals to make health savings account contributions if a spouse has a flexible spending account, while preventing double-dipping in tax benefits. Lastly, it makes it easier for people to save for their healthcare by streamlining the conversion of other tax-preferred accounts to health savings accounts. Ultimately, this bill modernizes healthcare delivery and gives employers the freedom to innovate and improve their employees' health. I am also very pleased to see that the PHIT Act was included in this package. I strongly support adding more of an emphasis on exercise and wellness to build a healthy American population. We spend an incredible amount of money on healthcare but very little on maintenance, like exercise and wellness, before we get sick. The PHIT Act will better incentivize healthy lifestyles. Mr. Speaker, we are trying to improve healthcare for all Americans. This means giving consumers a choice in their healthcare by incentivizing wellness and exercise. This is a preemptive effort to build a healthier, stronger America and the freedom to design insurance products that work best for them. If you want to keep healthcare costs down, let's just make sure people are healthier. That is the best way to do it. And do you know what? I really like this debate because we talk about how the deficit has grown. And for my colleagues on the other side, I wasn't here at the time, but I watched the deficit grow in the beginning of the Obama administration from $9 trillion to $20 trillion, and I am glad that, finally, somebody has awakened to the fact that we are working with huge deficits. Now, this bill was passed by the Ways and Means Committee in a bipartisan fashion, and I want to thank my friend Earl Blumenauer for working on this issue. This issue is extremely important for the 175 million Americans who get their health insurance from their employer. I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of H.R. 6199.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4952) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study and submit a report on the effects of the inclusion of quality increases in the determination of blended benchmark amounts under part C of the Medicare program, as amended.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4952, currently under consideration.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill, H.R. 4952, the Improving Seniors Access to Quality Benefits Act, will allow us to take a deeper look at how the Medicare Advantage benchmark cap is affecting people across the Nation. I have been working with Mr. Kind and other Members to address this inequity that affects seniors in high-quality plans across the country. The Medicare Advantage program was designed to give seniors a choice in their healthcare and utilize the private sector to provide better care and benefits. Medicare Advantage plans receive a capitated payment rate to cover the patient's total cost of care. In order to encourage quality, seniors enrolled in high-quality plans receive a quality bonus payment that goes directly to seniors in the form of reduced cost sharing or extra benefits. The Medicare Advantage program is very popular and has been working well for many years. In my district in western Pennsylvania, more than half of Medicare beneficiaries choose Medicare Advantage. Nationwide, Medicare Advantage enrollment has grown to 30 percent of Medicare beneficiaries. That number is even higher with 48 percent of the Hispanic and 38 percent of African American Medicare beneficiaries choosing Medicare Advantage. Unfortunately, the Affordable Care Act implemented a cap on payments to Medicare Advantage plans. This misguided benchmark cap policy has penalized approximately 5.8 million American seniors being denied important benefits like care coordination, vision, dental, and wellness programs. This issue has cost seniors in my district and across the country millions of dollars in benefits that they are entitled to. We talk often about paying for value in the Medicare program, and this policy undermines that goal. The benchmark cap is clearly a problem, and we need more information on it. The Improving Seniors Access to Quality Benefits Act requires the Secretary of HHS to analyze and report to Congress on the impact of including quality bonus payments in the Medicare Advantage benchmark cap. It also establishes a sense of Congress that this issue undermines the goal of delivering high-quality care in the Medicare program. It is my understanding that the Department of Health and Human Services has limited secretarial authority to make this change on its own. I hope to work together with the Secretary on policies such as this to encourage high-quality plans for seniors. Mr. Speaker, this legislation has broad support from many stakeholders, including America's Health Insurance Plans, the Better Medicare Alliance, the Healthcare Leadership Council, Meals on Wheels America, the National Minority Quality Forum, the Alliance of Community Health Plans, and many others. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, July 13, 2018. Hon. Greg Walden, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Walden: I write to you regarding H.R. 4952, the ``Improving Seniors Access to Quality Benefits Act'' the Committee on Ways and Means ordered favorably reported that was also referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. I ask that the Committee on Energy and Commerce waive formal consideration of the bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House Floor. I acknowledge that by waiving formal consideration of the bill, the Committee on Energy and Commerce is in no way waiving its jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in those provisions of the bills that fall within your Rule X jurisdiction. I would support your effort to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees on any House-Senate conference involving this legislation. I will include a copy of our letters in the Congressional Record during consideration of this legislation on the House floor. Sincerely, Kevin Brady, Chairman.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that the ACA's benchmark cap negatively impacts more than 40 percent of counties across our country. The Improving Seniors Access to Quality Benefits Act will require the Secretary to fully evaluate the impact of including quality bonus payments under the benchmark cap on our seniors residing in these counties. This bill was brought through the committee process in a bipartisan fashion. Now on the floor, I strongly recommend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of H.R. 4952 to ensure seniors are not missing out on additional healthcare benefits or reduced cost sharing as a result of the ACA's benchmark cap. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my constituents from Butler, Pennsylvania, Mr. Ed Kirkwood. This Friday, July 20th, Ed will be retiring following over 34 years of commendable public service. Ed has proudly served as the Butler Township Manager for the last 10 years. In this role, Ed oversaw the day-to-day operations of Butler Township while spearheading various projects and serving as the administrative officer of the township. Prior to this position, Ed spent over 18 years managing the City of Lower Burrell--Where he made a positive and lasting impact that can still be felt today. Throughout his tenure, Ed has displayed an admirable work ethic and a sincere desire to make a difference. His stewardship of Butler Township has resulted not only in continued prosperity of its businesses and residents, but also transformed the overall professional environment. Local officials have a direct impact on residents through a number of capacities, which Ed realized and cherished. Regardless of the situation or circumstances, Ed always remained resilient and kept the township on the right path--Focusing on the best interests of the people he felt privileged to represent. Though he made a career for himself in public service, Ed still managed to give back to his community as a volunteer. He has participated on a number of boards and served as a member of numerous committees, continuously striving to make a difference and better the lives of others. Ed participated in the committees that were formed to rewrite and modernize both the First and Third Class Township Codes, which eventually granted cities legal authority to operate in an efficient manner. In addition, Ed was the Director of the ``U-Comp Board'' which was developed to assist municipalities and authorities across the state with unemployment solutions and assistance. Ed served on the Little League Board of Directors for nearly 20 years and volunteered as a mentor for individuals who committed first time offenses. Ed's decades of service prove him to be a leader in every sense of the word. I am grateful to represent such a service-minded individual who has been both honorable and effective. Under his management, Butler Township has flourished while residents and business have been enriched. Ed is the epitome of a devoted public servant and his strong leadership has provided a solid vision for Butler Township. His unique people skills, thoughtfulness and integrity have resulted in many years of professional and invaluable service for which he will be remembered. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Ed Kirkwood for his lifelong dedication to public service and for all of the work he has done to better the community. Furthermore, I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Ed on his well-earned retirement and wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th anniversary of a reputable business headquartered in my hometown of Butler, Pennsylvania: Hunter Truck Sales. Hunter Truck Sales is a family owned and operated, authorized dealer of Peterbilt and International heavy-duty trucks and is one of the largest heavy-duty truck commercial providers in the Northeast. Hunter Truck is a staple of the community, and their success over the last 80 years confirms that the American Dream is alive and thriving in Pennsylvania and throughout the whole United States. Hunter Truck Sales is a name that has been synonymous with reliability since its founding in 1938. The business was started by Homer Hunter. Homer opened a small service station in the rural town of Eau Claire, Pennsylvania, and quickly developed a reputation for his unparalleled commitment to trucking solutions with personalized sales, service, and parts. With hard work and unwavering dedication, the company has continuously grown and was eventually awarded a new truck sales franchise from International Harvester, followed by earning a Peterbilt heavy-duty truck franchise. Homer, along with his brothers, created a customer-centric business that focused on teamwork, trust, accountability, and integrity. These very values led the company to its many achievements, and they remain at the core of the Hunter Truck Sales today, which is now owned and operated by the third generation of the Hunter family: Jeff Hunter, Dave Hunter, William Hunter, and Nancy Hunter-Mycka. Hunter Truck currently operates 20 locations in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, and New Jersey, and proudly employs nearly 1,000 people. Keep in mind all this started with a small service station and a family with big dreams and great work ethic. It is families like the Hunters who help local economies flourish by establishing successful business practices that can be sustained for multiple generations. While the services provided have evolved and the scope of the business has expanded, Hunter Truck remains fully committed to both their customers and the communities they call home. As a leader in the heavy-duty truck industry, Hunter truck has invested in its workforce and in unique technologies that align with their mission, which is to build long-term relationships that reflect value, integrity, and teamwork by providing their customers with excellent parts, service, and products. It is truly an honor to recognize the Hunter family and Hunter Truck Sales for their pioneering spirit in the demonstration of core American values. I encourage them to continue on what they have built with absolute pride--not boastful pride, but pride in knowing what Mr. Hunter started in 1938 has flourished and has provided so many jobs for so many people for so long. It is an incredible tribute to the way Americans think. Small businesses are the backbone of this country, and Hunter Truck Sales is truly an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage the gentlewoman in a colloquy on the importance of the Butler County workforce to Federal background investigation operations. The National Background Investigations Bureau has approximately 1,500 employees and contractors in Boyers, Pennsylvania, which is in my district, who handle the intake and processing of Federal background investigations. As you know, the NDAA last year split the NBIB between the Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Defense. This misguided move would have disrupted operations and negatively affected the critical workforce. I applaud the Trump administration for announcing last week that it will be keeping the NBIB intact and shifting it entirely to the DOD. This action will keep all background investigations under the same agency and will retain economies of scale to efficiently perform these critical operations. On Monday, I met with the DOD officials responsible for the transfer. They assured me that there are no plans to move any jobs outside Butler County. This is good news for my constituents, but more communication is necessary. These 1,500 people perform an incredible service to our Nation, and these jobs are critical to Butler County. This workforce has the expertise and experience to perform this sensitive work that keeps our Nation secure. Any efforts to reduce backlog in background investigations must utilize this talented and hardworking workforce. Chairman Granger, would you agree that the NBIB workforce in Butler County is integral to our country's background checks operations?

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for her dedication to this issue. It is important to not lose sight of the significance of this workforce to my district.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Warriors to Washington, a praiseworthy nonprofit organization from Erie County, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2013, Warriors to Washington was created to honor veterans from the northwest Pennsylvania region who were deployed and served our Nation in the Armed Forces as a result of the attacks on 9/11 by taking them to historical and national sites in Washington, D.C. Warriors to Washington raises money to fund an annual trip to Washington, D.C., by which post-9/11 veterans are treated to an all- expense-paid experience, which includes visits to Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Flight 93 Memorial Park, and many other sites of national significance. Warriors to Washington focuses on camaraderie and connection, while providing all attendees with a rewarding experience. The founder and president of Warriors to Washington, Joe Pfadt, believes it is important to give this opportunity to those who enlist and risk everything for our freedom. Joe Pfadt is a retired U.S. Army veteran himself, and has been invigorated by giving back to our most recent veterans. He stresses the significance of visiting our Nation's Capital and seeing the very documents that every service person swears to defend: the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Each year, the Warriors to Washington trip grows and evolves, continuously adapting to support the community and always striving to benefit as many veterans as possible. I am overjoyed to see members of my constituency stepping up to empower our veterans, and I am pleased to recognize the Warriors to Washington organization, which I am proud to say was founded in my district. I ask my fellow colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in saluting the unwavering dedication of Warriors to Washington and all those who are involved in their admirable efforts to serve our veterans.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gerald `Jerry' Eighmy, who passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 after a lengthy illness. Jerry is survived by his wife of 56 years-- Mary, his sons Scott and Harry (both of Erie) and eight beloved grandchildren who will proudly carry on the legacy of their admirable grandfather. Jerry was born on December 17, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio. He moved to Conneaut early in life and has been a lifelong resident ever since. After graduating from Conneaut High School, Jerry worked on the ore boats for US Steel to gather up the money needed to go to college. He attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, OH getting a degree in chemistry. Shortly after graduating, Jerry started working for his father at the family machining company, the Eighmy Corporation in Conneaut. Over the years, Jerry was instrumental in growing and advancing the company. In 1984, Jerry started American Turned Products in Erie, PA. American Turned Products has grown into a thriving manufacturing company, with two plants in Erie County that serve the automotive, appliance, military and hydraulics industries. During his time in the machining industry, Jerry became very involved with the National Screw Machine Products Association, now called the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA). PMPA is an international trade association that represents the interests of the precision machined products industry and provides programs and services to ensure members stay ahead of the curve and ready to compete on a global scale. Jerry was actively involved in many PMPA committees over the years and also served on the PMPA's Finance, Executive, and Pension Committees. Jerry served a five year term as Association Treasurer before transitioning to Association Second Vice President, First Vice President, and eventually President elect. In order to acknowledge his service to the association and industry in general, Jerry was presented with the merit award, the association's highest honor. Jerry continuously strived to make a difference and better the lives of those around him, which he did through a number of capacities. He was a board member and past President of the NWPA Manufacturers and business association and served on the board of Brown Memorial Hospital for 25 years until becoming the chairman. In addition, Jerry was instrumental in the creation of the sports complex for the Conneaut School System, where he was not only the major monetary donor for the project but also donated the land for the track and soccer field, which bears his name today. In serving his family and community, Jerry was a leader in the truest sense of the word and a role model for those who were privileged to know him. He set a standard of excellence and generosity that is both admirable and praiseworthy. Furthermore, Jerry was a class act that will be remembered for his distinguished career and selfless personality. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the memory of Jerry Eighmy, a service-minded individual who leaves behind a legacy of compassion and integrity that will positively impact the Conneaut community for years to come.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Roskam so much for his time. Madam Speaker, this opioid epidemic is killing 116 people of all ages every day, and it is horribly impacting western Pennsylvania's families and communities. There isn't a silver bullet to end the suffering. It is going to take communities working together to treat addiction and find lasting methods of prevention. I am proud of the work that we have done in the people's House to put forward quality, bipartisan solutions to provide better alternatives and treatment for all Americans. I want to thank Chairman Roskam for including my legislation, H.R. 5684, the Protecting Seniors from Opioid Abuse Act, into this package. This bipartisan bill with my colleagues, Mr. Thompson, Mrs. McMorris Rodgers, and Mr. Doyle, will help at-risk seniors manage their medications and avoid prescription drug abuse. This bill gives seniors who are at risk for prescription abuse access to the Medication Therapy Management Program. This successful program allows seniors to sit down with a pharmacist or other health professional and receive expert advice on how to best manage their prescriptions. I think for most of us, when you go to pick up your prescriptions, oftentimes you are asked: Do you want us to sit down and go over this with you? Oftentimes, there is a line behind you. Or they say: You can just check the box here and go ahead and pick up your prescription. That is not the answer to what we are trying to do. With the Medication Therapy Management Program, we actually sit down with the seniors and explain the interaction between some of the drugs that they are taking and some of the drugs that have been prescribed for them. So it is critical that they have access to this information. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has already confirmed that this approach works. To reduce opioid overuse and to avoid dangerous drug interactions, expanding access to medication therapy management for at-risk beneficiaries will ensure that these serious drugs are used properly before it is too late. This epidemic is devastating our Nation's communities and our families. I hope that we continue to work together as a unified Congress to fight this deadly crisis. I appreciate the chairman's time, and I urge support of this bill.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, America is winning again. Earlier this week marked the 500th day of the Trump-Pence administration. Last Friday's new jobs report by the Department of Labor was a reminder of just how positive these first 500 days of the Trump administration have been for America. This is not just good news; this is great news for all Americans. A New York Times headline proclaimed: ``We Ran Out of Words to Describe How Good the Jobs Numbers Are.'' According to CNBC, the headline was: ``There are more jobs than people out of work, something the American economy has never experienced before.'' The front page of the New York Post was more succinct. It said: ``We're in the Money.'' Here are just a few snapshots: The national unemployment rate, down to just 3.8 percent, is now matching its lowest rate since 1969; More than 1 million new jobs have been created since President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December; More than 3.4 million new jobs have been created since the President took office, including 322,000 new jobs in manufacturing; More than 6.6 million job openings now exist throughout the United States. This is an all-time high. In that same New York Post edition, let me read to you some stats that I think are just outstanding. Let's look at unemployment in 2010 versus 2018, look at it by gender and by race. In 2010, 9.6 percent of men were on unemployment; in 2018, 3.5 percent. In 2010, 8.6 percent of women were unemployed; today, 3.3 percent. For Blacks, in 2010, 16.6 percent were unemployed; today, 5.9 percent are unemployed. Hispanics, in 2010, 12.9 percent were unemployed; today, 4.9 percent. For Asian Americans, in 2010, 8.6 percent were unemployed; today, 2.1 percent. By age, in the 16 to 19 category, in 2010, 26.2 percent were unemployed; today, in 2018, 12.8 percent. In the 20 to 24 range, in 2010, 17.2 percent were unemployed; today, 7.1 percent. In the 25 to 54 range, 8.9 percent in 2010 were unemployed; today, 3.1 percent. And if it is 55 and older that you are looking at, in 2010, 7.4 percent were unemployed; today, 2.8 percent. Wages for American workers have also steadily grown almost 3 percent over the past year, and they continue to climb. Furthermore, according to the IMD World Competitiveness Center's 2018 ranking, the United States has already overtaken Hong Kong as the number one most competitive economy in the world, `` . . . thanks to faster economic growth and a supportive atmosphere for scientific and technological innovation.'' According to the International Energy Agency, the United States will be the world's largest oil producer by 2023. None of this good news was inevitable. None of our country's economic momentum is accidental. Nothing about this historically strong economy and its benefits for every single American are guaranteed to be permanent. All of this great news was made possible by the conservative progrowth policies of this administration and this Congress: from lowering taxes to cutting red tape, to expanding energy production. As we embark on the next 500 days of this Presidency, the facts cannot be denied both at home and abroad: America is winning again. Mr. Speaker, I think that sometimes when you sit and listen to the talk on this floor, you would think that we are not all from a different universe; we are from different galaxies. One side paints America as all gloom and doom and how horrible it is. The other side talks about opportunity, talks about job growth, talks about economic growth, and talks about how America is winning again. I would ask my fellow Americans to remember this is the people's floor. It does not belong to Republicans, and it does not belong to Democrats. It belongs to the American people. We are winning again as a country, as both Republicans, Democrats, and independents. We are winning, and we will continue to win. As I said earlier, nothing about this has been accidental, nothing about this has been casual, and none of this has happened by chance. It is pro-growth policy that continues to make sure that America wins again for every single American.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a young lady from my congressional district, 16-year-old Grace Beal. Grace is the daughter of David and Corri Beal and the older sister of Eliza and Lucy Beal. Grace is a Sophomore in High School but has proven herself to be wise beyond her years and honorable in every sense of the word. In 2009, when Grace was just 7 years old, her youngest sister Lucy died of a congenital heart disease. The loss of 11-month-old Lucy was an absolute tragedy that devastated the entire Beal family and led to a painful mourning period. However, in the midst of grief, Grace developed a sincere desire to honor Lucy's memory and make a difference for those who will unfortunately experience similar circumstances. When Grace reflects on Lucy's journey she is reminded of the hardships but also recalls the kindness and compassion her family received from the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP). Even after all of these years, Grace is quick to praise the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and applaud their unwavering dedication to patients and families in need of support. Therefore, beginning in fourth grade, Grace decided to express her appreciation by organizing a book drive which resulted in a donation of 600 books to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Library. The following year, while in fifth grade, Grace came up with the fundraising idea ``Laps for Lucy'' through her swim team, which raised over $3,400 for Child Life at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Grace continued to create new initiatives and once again, in sixth grade, she hosted ``Lovies for Lucy'' by collecting over 150 blankets for the Children's Home of Pittsburgh, another facility that played an influential role in Lucy's journey. By seventh grade, Grace created ``Layups for Lucy'' which initially began as a 3-on-3 basketball tournament but has developed into much more. Now an annual event, Layups for Lucy has raised over $70,000 and continues to evolve and prosper each year. Grace was invigorated by raising money and helping others, which led to her decision to create a Layups for Lucy fund and become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Grace is quick to attribute the success of the event to the involvement of her friends and family, Neshannock High School students and staff, and members of the New Castle community who have been actively involved and extremely generous. In addition to her philanthropic involvement, Grace is a member of her high school volleyball and basketball teams, she serves as a student government representative, participates in various academic clubs and has been selected to National Honor Society. Grace's community involvement and exceptional volunteerism have caught the attention of many and inevitably led to several prestigious honors. Grace was a 2018 Distinguished Finalist for the Prudential Spirt of Community Award, a 2016 Jefferson Award finalist for the Most Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, the recipient of the Lancer Pride and Promise Award and she qualified to receive the prestigious President's Volunteer Service Award. In sum, Grace displayed resilience in the face of adversity. She turned her pain into passion and created a commitment to helping others. Grace has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and has thrived as a leader, encouraging others to get involved and give back. Although she has already accomplished so much, Grace has no plans to slow down now. Grace is energized by helping others and she will continue to strive for greatness and uplift those in need, however necessary. In serving her community, the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and the memory of her sister Lucy, Grace is an absolute inspiration. Her compassion and generosity have positively influenced the lives of many and will continue to do so for years to come. Therefore, on behalf of the Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to Grace Beal, an admirable young lady, a selfless individual, and a true Community Champion.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, first of all, I want to acknowledge Chairman Shuster's leadership on this, and thank the entire committee and all the staff. I sure appreciate all the hard work. This amendment allows the Army Corps of Engineers to strongly consider the large number of recreational boats that use the locks on the Allegheny River in my district when prioritizing operation and maintenance projects. River communities on the Allegheny, like Kittanning, Ford City, Freeport, East Brady, and others, rely on recreational boating for their economic well-being. In recent years, the Army Corps of Engineers and a local nonprofit, the Allegheny River Development Corporation, have developed a successful private-public partnership. Their partnership has resulted in private money being raised to keep the locks operational only on summer weekends and for recreational use. This amendment will allow the Army Corps of Engineers the flexibility it needs to help keep the locks open throughout the summer tourism months once again. Speaking on this issue, a commissioner in Armstrong County once said to me: ``You know, Washington has taken away our coal jobs, now they're trying to take away our river.'' Because of the hard work of people like Linda Hemmes and other community leaders, the river is still open to thousands of boaters who enjoy the Allegheny River on summer weekends. But even the weekend lock operations are still very much at risk, and it is my hope that this amendment will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize funding so the river remains passable all summer long for decades to come. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania

Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered the primary sponsor of H.R. 548, a bill originally introduced by Representative Dent of Pennsylvania, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.